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Police announce traffic measures for Popi Christoforou funeral

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-09

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Special traffic arrangements will be implemented around the Holy Trinity Church in Limassol for the funeral of Popi Christoforou, scheduled to begin at 2 PM on Thursday, with large crowds expected. • Why it matters: Christoforou was a prominent advocate for justice following the 2011 Mari naval base explosion that claimed the lives of her twin sons, making her a significant figure in Cyprus and a symbol of resilience. • What to watch next: Monitor traffic updates and municipal advisories as the funeral approaches, and observe how the community honors Christoforou's legacy during the service.

**Police Announce Traffic Measures for Popi Christoforou Funeral**

Limassol, Cyprus – Special traffic arrangements will be implemented around the Holy Trinity Church in Limassol on Thursday, as large crowds are anticipated for the funeral of Popi Christoforou. The service is scheduled to begin at 2 PM, and local authorities are preparing for significant attendance from mourners.

In a statement released on Wednesday, police and the Limassol municipal traffic department advised attendees to avoid driving to the church if possible. They recommended utilizing municipal parking facilities in the vicinity to ease congestion. Available parking options include the multi-storey municipal car park located on Salaminos Street, as well as municipal car parks in Epichosi and other nearby areas.

For those who must drive, authorities have instructed that vehicles approach the church via Zenonos Street in a southerly direction. It is important to note that only the eastern entrance of the church will be accessible for vehicles during the funeral service.

Popi Christoforou passed away on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was a notable figure in Cyprus, particularly among the families affected by the tragic explosion at the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari on July 11, 2011, which claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including her twin sons, Miltos and Christos Christoforou. Following the disaster, she became an advocate for accountability and justice, tirelessly campaigning for recognition of the events that led to the explosion.

In her final wishes, Christoforou requested that mourners wear white attire and expressed her desire to be buried in her father’s grave rather than at Sfalangiotissa cemetery, where her sons are interred.

President Nikos Christodoulides paid tribute to Christoforou, describing her as a “symbol of inner strength, dignity and determination.” He acknowledged her transformation of personal grief into a broader struggle for justice and accountability. The Limassol municipality echoed these sentiments, recognizing her as a mother who became a symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy. House President Annita Demetriou also commemorated her, stating that Cyprus has lost “the heroic mother who became a symbol of the Mari tragedy.”

As the community prepares to honor Popi Christoforou, local authorities are taking steps to ensure a smooth and respectful farewell for a woman who has left a lasting impact on many lives in Cyprus.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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